May is here, and our campus is a hive of activity. The rapid growth of the grass and plants around our school mirrors the energy and vibrancy of our end-of-year activities and celebrations. The festivities kicked off with a remarkable band and choir concert last week. It was a pleasure to see our students' hard work pay off in such a beautiful performance. A big thank you goes out to Mrs. Ward and Ms. Brandsrud for their dedication and commitment to our students.

Next week, we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. I encourage you to take a moment to recognize a staff member who has made a difference for you or your child by visiting the Padlet QR code or finding your own unique way of showing appreciation. Our staff members consistently go above and beyond to inspire and nurture our students. Let’s take this opportunity to show them the appreciation they deserve!

May 6 - Senior Academic Awards @ 2:30 PM in Cossack Center

May 8 - HS StuCo Slip & Slide into Spring Event - 6th & 7th Periods

May 10 - Little Prairie Coffee Cart at SV for Staff & Students that wish to order; Middle School Academic Championship

May 13 - School Board Meeting @ 6:30 PM

May 14 - Senior Sunset (Chaperoned Prank, Movie on the Football Field)

May 15 - Seniors' Last Day; Senior Hallway Walkthrough & Staff Reception at 1:30 PM; Baccalaureate @ 7:00 PM

May 17 - Senior Breakfast @ 9:00 AM; Graduation Rehearsal @ 9:30 AM; Moving Up Day (Meeting with Rising 6th Graders & Parents) @ 2:00 PM

May 18 - Graduation @ 2:00 PM in Cossack Center

May 20 - Elementary Track & Field Day (8th Grade Students Assisting in the PM)

May 21 - Middle School Student Showcase @ 2:00 PM

May 22 - Last Day of School; Noon Dismissal for Middle School; Check-Out Day for High School

Graphic credit to Logan H.

Our High School Student Council has planned a special kickball game on the football field during the 6th and 7th periods for all high school students on Wednesday, May 8th.

This isn't just any regular kickball game; we'll have slip & slides set up between the bases, making it a unique and fun competition between grades. Students can sign up in advance if they wish to play. For those who prefer not to play, they'll have the opportunity to watch the game from the stands and cheer on their peers.

The first annual senior walkthrough is a new tradition at Sioux Valley. Seniors, dressed in their caps and gowns, go on a symbolic journey through their educational path. Starting in the elementary school, they walk the halls while the youngest students cheer them on. They continue through the middle school, where they are greeted by teachers and staff who supported them during their formative years. The journey then goes through the high school, where peers and teachers celebrate their achievements as they walk one last time through the halls they once called home. The procession concludes in the library, where staff members welcome the seniors for a reception to celebrate and honor our seniors.

Graphic credit to Lacey L.

Graphic credit to Dennise C.

The final day of school is approaching, and students at the high school are gearing up for the end-of-year activities. Seniors will start their clearance process on May 13th by collecting their sign-out sheets, while grades 9 to 11 will receive theirs on May 20th.

On May 22nd, students will be scheduled to turn in their laptops and class materials: juniors from 8:30 - 9:30, sophomores from 9:30 - 10:30, and freshmen from 10:30 - 11:30.

It's a battle of the grades. Who will come out on top and win the championship belt?

Graphic credit to Lacey L.

Rising 6th graders and their parents will have a chance to hear about the transition to 6th grade. This will be held in Tile Town from 2:00-2:30 PM on May 17th.

Graphic credit to Logan H.

We’re excited to announce the 2nd Annual Middle School Student Showcase, a special event that highlights the accomplishments of our eighth graders as they prepare to enter high school and celebrates a year of learning and growth for all middle school students.

Your child has been working on a passion project in their science class over the past few weeks, diving into topics like music, specialized learning topics, and video creation based on a driving question they are seeking to answer. On Tuesday, May 21st, at 2:00 PM in Tile Town, they'll have the chance to share their projects with our school community.

We invite you to join us for this fun and inspiring event as we support and celebrate our students’ creativity and hard work. Save the date and come see the remarkable things our middle schoolers have accomplished!

Graphic credit to Asher E.

Graphic credit to Alec S.

Graphic credit to Dillyn L.

Graphic credit to Riley K.

Academic Students of the Month:

Mila Coetzee

Ella Syrstad

Westin Pitts

Quynn Nielsen

Lacey Langland

Adison Renkly

Jada Knutson

Character Students of the Month:

Stella Adee

Ella Hockett

Ava Gatzke

Audrey Murano

Hunter Steinhaus

Jakob Guthmiller

Alec Squires

(Stay tuned for a picture to celebrate on our Social Media channels!)

Graphic credit to Angelina R.

To provide real-time access to attendance and grades, we have the Parent Portal on Infinite Campus. Many parents/guardians and teachers are embracing technology tools like Parent Portal on Infinite Campus, Google Classroom, and email communication as alternatives to in-person conferences. These tools offer information most relevant to parent/guardian interests.

If you need help connecting to the Parent Portal to view your child's attendance and grades, please feel free to contact Karen Steege in the MS/HS Office. We're here to assist you with any inquiries you may have.

Website: https://www.svs.k12.sd.us/
Location: 200 Hansina Avenue, Volga, SD, USA
Phone: (605) 627-5657
Twitter: @cossackcorner